Runtime services for network software platform

ABSTRACT

Runtime services for network software platforms are described. In one implementation, runtime services are configured for a web application. A configuration file is created containing tags that provide references to configuration information specific to operational behavior of the web application. The configuration file is read upon receiving a request to start the web application. The runtime services for the web application are initialized based on the configuration information read from the configuration file.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to network software, such as Web applications,and computer software development of such network software.

BACKGROUND

Microsoft Corporation has developed a network software platform known asthe “.Net” platform (read as “Dot Net”). The platform allows developersto create Web services and applications that will execute over theInternet. The .Net platform is a software platform for Web services andWeb applications implemented in a distributed computing environment. Itrepresents the next generation of Internet computing, using opencommunication standards to communicate among loosely coupled Webservices that are collaborating to perform a particular task. ActiveServer Pages (ASP) has long been the foundation for creating rich anddynamic Web sites using server-side scripting. Through the use of the.NET platform, ASP has evolved into “ASP.NET,” which is a set oftechnologies in the Microsoft .NET Framework for building Webapplications and Web Services.

One of the challenges facing developers using the aforementionedtechnology as well as related Web site development and server softwareis the amount of code that needs to be written by developers in order tocreate objects in applications running on Web servers. Currently, alarge amount of code is needed to create objects and “glue” themtogether, which is time consuming for developers to create and subjectto errors.

Another challenge facing developers is figuring out interrelationshipsbetween programmable systems. For instance, what happens if an object isremoved from an application? Will it cause the Web site to crash?Determining accurate interrelationships between many different systemscan be an extremely difficult for custom developers of Web sites.

Memory is another issue facing developers of applications running on theWeb. Memory is limited, and therefore, the developer typically writescode to ensure that objects are freed from memory. However, with theopen nature of many network software platforms, many times the datastructures used for particular objects and the code associated with suchstructures are incompatible. Thus, there may be a failure to recognizewhen an object is no longer being used by an application, because theobject isn't managed by the particular platform it is running-on. As aresult, many objects can continue to use memory resources beyond aperiod of time when they should have been removed from memory.

SUMMARY

Runtime services for network software platforms are described. In oneimplementation, runtime services are configured for a web application. Aconfiguration file is created containing tags that provide references toconfiguration information specific to operational behavior of the webapplication. The configuration file is read upon receiving a request tostart the web application. The runtime services for the web applicationare initialized based on the configuration information read from theconfiguration file.

In another implementation, unmanaged objects associated with Webapplications are automatically expunged from memory. A request toprocess a Web page containing unmanaged objects operating on a Webserver is received. A reference pointer is assigned to the unmanagedobject and the reference pointer is stored in a data structure. Theunmanaged object is stored in memory. When a notification is receivedthat the web page containing the unmanaged object is no longer beingprocessed the reference pointer is used to locate the unmanaged objectfrom memory. Once located, the unmanaged object is then removed frommemory.

In another implementation, programmable misuse of configurationinformation associated with objects is prevented. A dependency databaseis maintained describing dependencies associated with modules used by anapplication. Information entered by a programmer describing how theprogrammer desires to use the modules in an application is received. Acheck is made whether the information entered by the programmer matchesthe dependencies associated with the modules maintained in the database.If the entered information does not match the dependencies, then anerror exception notification is enabled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentifies the figure in which the reference number first appears.

FIG. 1 shows a network environment 100 in which a network platform, suchas the .NET platform, may be implemented.

FIG. 2 shows a programming framework in more detail.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary system for assisting developers ininitializing and configuring a Web application.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for configuringand initializing runtime services for a Web application.

FIG. 5 shows a system that releases unmanaged objects from memory.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for expungingunmanaged objects from memory.

FIG. 7 shows another feature associated with runtime services formanaging dependencies between configuration information associated withprogrammable components.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for preventingprogrammable misuse of modules such as the grouping shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a computing environment within whichthe applications including the runtime services, platforms, framework,systems, modules and methods described herein can be either fully orpartially implemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

To overcome inefficiencies and problems described in the Backgroundsection, the following description introduces the broad concept ofproviding an extensible programming framework that streamlines buildingof Web applications. This is accomplished through several differentimplementations. In one implementation, an application run time andconfiguration file (catalogue) stores information that enables adeveloper to configure and initialize applications, eliminating mostinitialization coding for objects. In another implementation, a run timedisposal system removes objects from memory including those objectsacross disparate systems. And in another implementation, the runtimepermits dependencies between systems (or objects) to be mapped toprevent a developer from rendering an application into an unstablestate.

Various application program interfaces (APIs) for a network platformupon which developers can build Web applications and services aredescribed herein. In the exemplary implementation the .NET platformcreated by Microsoft Corporation is described. The .NET platform is asoftware platform for Web services and Web applications implemented inthe distributed computing environment.

In the described implementation, the .NET platform utilizes XML(extensible markup language), an open standard for describing data. XMLis managed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). XML is used fordefining data elements on a Web page and business-to-business documents.XML uses a similar tag structure as HTML; however, whereas HTML defineshow elements are displayed, XML defines what those elements contain.HTML uses predefined tags, but XML allows tags to be defined by thedeveloper (also referred to as the “programmer”) of the page. Thus,virtually any data items can be identified, allowing Web pages tofunction like database records. Through the use of XML and other openprotocols, such as Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), the .NETplatform allows integration of a wide range of services that can betailored to the needs of the user. Although the embodiments describedherein are described in conjunction with XML and other open standards,such are not required for the operation of the claimed invention. Otherequally viable technologies will suffice to implement the inventionsdescribed herein.

As used herein, the phrase application program interface or API includestraditional interfaces that employ method or function calls, as well asremote calls (e.g., a proxy, stub relationship) and SOAP/XMLinvocations.

Exemplary Network Environment

FIG. 1 shows a network environment 100 in which a network platform, suchas the .NET platform, may be implemented. The network environment 100includes representative Web services 102(1), . . . , 102(N), whichprovide services that can be accessed over a network 104 (e.g.,Internet). The Web services, referenced generally as number 102, areprogrammable application components that are reusable and interactprogrammatically over the network 104, typically through industrystandard Web protocols, such as XML, SOAP, WAP (wireless applicationprotocol), HTTP (hypertext transport protocol), and SMTP (simple mailtransfer protocol) although other means of interacting with the Webservices over the network may also be used, such as Remote ProcedureCall (RPC) or object broker type technology. A Web service can beself-describing and is often defined in terms of formats and ordering ofmessages.

Web services 102 are accessible directly by other services (asrepresented by communication link 106) or a software application, suchas Web application 110 (as represented by communication links 112 and114). Each Web service 102 is illustrated as including one or moreservers that execute software to handle requests for particularservices. Such services often maintain databases that store informationto be served back to requesters. Web services may be configured toperform any one of a variety of different services. Examples of Webservices include login verification, notification, database storage,stock quoting, location directories, mapping, music, electronic wallet,calendar/scheduler, telephone listings, news and information, games,ticketing, and so on. The Web services can be combined with each otherand with other applications to build intelligent interactiveexperiences.

The network environment 100 also includes representative client devices120(1), 120(2), 120(3), 120(4), . . . , 120(M) that utilize the Webservices 102 (as represented by communication link 122) and/or the Webapplication 110 (as represented by communication links 124, 126, and128). The clients may communicate with one another using standardprotocols as well, as represented by an exemplary XML link 131 betweenclients 120(3) and 120(4).

The client devices, referenced generally as number 120, can beimplemented many different ways. Examples of possible clientimplementations include, without limitation, portable computers,stationary computers, tablet PCs, televisions/set-top boxes, wirelesscommunication devices, personal digital assistants, gaming consoles,printers, photocopiers, and other smart devices.

The Web application 110 is an application designed to run on the networkplatform and may utilize the Web services 102 when handling andservicing requests from clients 120. The Web application 110 is composedof one or more software applications 130 that run atop a programmingframework 132, which are executing on one or more servers 134 or othercomputer systems. Note that a portion of Web application 110 mayactually reside on one or more of clients 120. Alternatively, Webapplication 110 may coordinate with other software on clients 120 toactually accomplish its tasks.

The programming framework 132 is the structure that supports theapplications and services developed by application developers. Itpermits multi-language development and seamless integration bysupporting multiple languages. It supports open protocols, such as SOAP,and encapsulates the underlying operating system and object modelservices. The framework provides a robust and secure executionenvironment for the multiple programming languages and offers secure,integrated class libraries.

The framework 132 is a multi-tiered architecture that includes anapplication program interface (API) layer 142, a common language runtime(CLR) layer 144, and an operating system/services layer 146. Thislayered architecture allows updates and modifications to various layerswithout impacting other portions of the framework. A common languagespecification (CLS) 140 allows designers of various languages to writecode that is able to access underlying library functionality. Thespecification 140 functions as a contract between language designers andlibrary designers that can be used to promote language interoperability.By adhering to the CLS, libraries written in one language can bedirectly accessible to code modules written in other languages toachieve seamless integration between code modules written in onelanguage and code modules written in another language. One exemplarydetailed implementation of a CLS is described in an ECMA standardcreated by participants in ECMA TC39/TG3. The reader is directed to theECMA web site at www.ecma.ch.

The API layer 142 presents groups of functions that the applications 130can call to access the resources and services provided by layer 146. Byexposing the API functions for a network platform, applicationdevelopers can create Web applications for distributed computing systemsthat make full use of the network resources and other Web services,without needing to understand the complex inter-workings of how thosenetwork resources actually operate or are made available. Moreover, theWeb applications can be written in any number of programming languages,and translated into an intermediate language supported by the commonlanguage runtime 144 and included as part of the common languagespecification 140. In this way, the API layer 142 can provide methodsfor a wide and diverse variety of applications.

Additionally, the framework 132 can be configured to support API callsplaced by remote applications executing remotely from the servers 134that host the framework. Representative applications 148(1) and 148(2)residing on clients 120(3) and 120(M), respectively, can use the APIfunctions by making calls directly, or indirectly, to the API layer 142over the network 104.

The framework may also be implemented at the clients. Client 120(3)represents the situation where a framework 150 is implemented at theclient. This framework may be identical to server-based framework 132,or modified for client purposes. Alternatively, the client-basedframework may be condensed in the event that the client is a limited ordedicated function device, such as a cellular phone, personal digitalassistant, handheld computer, or other communication/computing device.

Developers' Programming Framework

FIG. 2 shows the programming framework 132 in more detail. The commonlanguage specification (CLS) layer 140 supports applications written ina variety of languages 130(1), 130(2), 130(3), 130(4), . . . , 130(K).Such application languages include Visual Basic, C++, C#, COBOL,Jscript, Perl, Eiffel, Python, and so on. The common languagespecification 140 specifies a subset of features or rules about featuresthat, if followed, allow the various languages to communicate. Forexample, some languages do not support a given type (e.g., an “int*”type) that might otherwise be supported by the common language runtime144. In this case, the common language specification 140 does notinclude the type. On the other hand, types that are supported by all ormost languages (e.g., the “int[]” type) is included in common languagespecification 140 so library developers are free to use it and areassured that the languages can handle it. This ability to communicateresults in seamless integration between code modules written in onelanguage and code modules written in another language. Since differentlanguages are particularly well suited to particular tasks, the seamlessintegration between languages allows a developer to select a particularlanguage for a particular code module with the ability to use that codemodule with modules written in different languages. The common languageruntime 144 allow seamless multi-language development, with crosslanguage inheritance, and provide a robust and secure executionenvironment for the multiple programming languages. For more informationon the common language specification 140 and the common language runtime144, the reader is directed to co-pending applications entitled “Methodand System for Compiling Multiple Languages”, filed Jun. 21, 2000 (Ser.No. 09/598,105) and “Unified Data Type System and Method” filed Jul. 10,2000 (Ser. No. 09/613,289), which are incorporated by reference.

The framework 132 encapsulates the operating system 146(1) (e.g.,Windows®-brand operating systems) and object model services 146(2)(e.g., Component Object Model (COM) or Distributed COM). The operatingsystem 146(1) provides conventional functions, such as file management,notification, event handling, user interfaces (e.g., windowing, menus,dialogs, etc.), security, authentication, verification, processes andthreads, memory management, and so on. The object model services 146(2)provide interfacing with other objects to perform various tasks. Callsmade to the API layer 142 are handed to the common language runtimelayer 144 for local execution by the operating system 146(1) and/orobject model services 146(2).

The API 142 groups API functions into multiple namespaces. Namespacesessentially define a collection of classes, interfaces, delegates,enumerations, and structures, which are collectively called “types”,that provide a specific set of related functionality. A class representsmanaged heap allocated data that has reference assignment semantics. Adelegate is an object oriented function pointer. An enumeration is aspecial kind of value type that represents named constants. A structurerepresents static allocated data that has value assignment semantics. Aninterface defines a contract that other types can implement.

By using namespaces, a designer can organize a set of types into ahierarchical namespace. The designer is able to create multiple groupsfrom the set of types, with each group containing at least one type thatexposes logically related functionality. In the exemplaryimplementation, the API 142 is organized into four root namespaces: afirst namespace 200 for Web applications, a second namespace 202 forclient applications, a third namespace 204 for data and XML, and afourth namespace 206 for base class libraries (BCL). Each group can thenbe assigned a name. For instance, types in the Web applicationsnamespace 200 are assigned the name “Web”, and types in the data and XMLnamespace 204 can be assigned names “Data” and “XML” respectively. Thenamed groups can be organized under a single “global root” namespace forsystem level APIs, such as an overall System namespace. By selecting andprefixing a top level identifier, the types in each group can be easilyreferenced by a hierarchical name that includes the selected top levelidentifier prefixed to the name of the group containing the type. Forinstance, types in the Web applications namespace 200 can be referencedusing the hierarchical name “System.Web”. In this way, the individualnamespaces 200, 202, 204, and 206 become major branches off of theSystem namespace and can carry a designation where the individualnamespaces are prefixed with a designator, such as a “System.” prefix.

The Web applications namespace 200 pertains to Web based functionality,such as dynamically generated Web pages (e.g., Microsoft's Active ServerPages (ASP)). It supplies types that enable browser/servercommunication. The client applications namespace 202 pertains to drawingand client side UI functionality. It supplies types that enable drawingof two-dimensional (2D), imaging, and printing, as well as the abilityto construct window forms, menus, boxes, and so on.

The data and XML namespace 204 relates to connectivity to data sourcesand XML functionality. It supplies classes, interfaces, delegates, andenumerations that enable security, specify data types, and serializeobjects into XML format documents or streams. The base class libraries(BCL) namespace 206 pertains to basic system and runtime functionality.It contains the fundamental types and base classes that definecommonly-used value and reference data types, events and event handlers,interfaces, attributes, and processing exceptions.

In addition to the framework 132, programming tools 210 are provided toassist the developer in building Web services and/or applications. Oneexample of the programming tools 200 is Visual Studio™, a multi-languagesuite of programming tools offered by Microsoft Corporation.

Configuration and Initialization Services

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary system 300 for assisting developers ininitializing and configuring a Web application 302. The exemplary Webapplication 302 may include e-commerce business applications andservices. For instance, a service that permits customers to purchaseitems from a Web site may be one example of a type of Web application302 used in system 300. Additionally, other Web applications 110 such asthose described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 could berepresented by Web application 302.

Web application 302 includes a set of Web pages 304. The set of Webpages are linked together allowing a visitor to move from one pageanother through a Web browser (not shown) on client devices 120 (seeFIG. 1). ASP.NET allows those pages to be accessed by the Web browser.The arrangement of pages constitutes a part of a Web site's topology. Apage or a set of pages can contain or point to a variety of resources,including images, text, scripts, links to resources and so forth. A usermay perform “actions” while on a page of the Web site by “clicking” on adesignated location and being linked to a desired location or cause anevent to occur. For example, an action may include clicking on and/orinteracting with an advertisement, traversing from one page to another,purchasing an item, adding an item to a virtual shopping basket, etc.

Each time a user performs an action on a page, the action calls one ormore objects 306 representing a collection of APIs that permit theactions to occur, which is sometimes referred to as the “runtime”behavior of a Web site. In order to place the Web application 302 into astate that can be used by a customer, the application's 302 runtimeservices 308 must be configured and initialized. Run time services 308include modules 307(1), . . . , 307(N), (referenced generally as number307) that provide the capability for a developer to configure andinitialize the application 302.

The developer uses the runtime services 308 to create a webconfiguration file 310 by inserting configuration information that arenecessary to configure the run time services 308 and the operationalbehavior of the set of objects 306. Typically, a developer initiallyopens a text editor (not shown) such as a notepad, types in tags (suchas XML tags 312) pertaining to the configuration, and saves theconfiguration information in the configuration file 310. For instance,using the editor the developer will typically load tags into a Webconfiguration file 310. Each tag generally references some type ofruntime configuration information necessary for the Web application 302.That is, the tags provide a means for retrieving configurationinformation from various sources for configuring the Web application302. For example, configuration information can be retrieved from a datasource using an SQL query to retrieve the configuration information fromthe source. The tags in the exemplary implementation take the form ofXML tags 312, but could utilize other tagging technologies capable ofreferencing information. Database 314 stores low level configurationinformation for the run time services 308 such as pointers to one ormore other databases 316(1), . . . , 316(N).

Once the Web configuration file 310 is created, it can be utilized byWeb application 302. For example, Web application 302 starts-up becausea user from a client device 120 browses to the Web site containing Webapplication 302. At the first occurrence of a user requested page fromapplication 302, application 302 starts up (i.e., is loaded into memoryof a server). Then, ASP.NET instance (through the collection of APIs306) calls out to the runtime service 308 based on information in Webconfiguration file 310, which are initially read from the Webconfiguration file 310. Accordingly, the runtime services 308 areactivated as part of the application 302. Once activated, the runtimeservices 308 reads configuration information specific to the application302 from the Web configuration file 310. Based on the configurationinformation read from the configuration file, Web application 302 isinitialized (i.e., put into a state to be used by the Web application302 to perform operations). Thus, Web application 302 through itframework (i.e., 132 in FIG. 1) is able to determine which modules needto be created and initialized based on information read from theconfiguration file 310.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 400 forconfiguring and initializing runtime services for a Web application.Method 400 includes blocks 402–408. The order in which the method isdescribed is not intended to be construed as a limitation. Additionally,portions of the operations may be optional, performed intermittently, orperformed simultaneously. Furthermore, the method 400 can be implementedin any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

At block 402 a configuration file 310 is created for Web application302. Typically, the objects 306 created for the application by adeveloper requires configuration information in order to initiallyexecute an action request performed on a page from the set of web ofpages 304. Accordingly, the developer uses tags (e.g., XML tags 312) toprovide configuration information specific to the operation behavior ofthe Web application 302.

At block 404, a request is received to start the application 302. Theconfiguration file 310 is loaded into memory. At block 406 theconfiguration file 310 is read to determine which runtime services 308are used in the application 302. That is, ASP.NET reads theconfiguration file 310 and determines which run time services 308 toinvoke. The runtime services contains one or modules containingresources necessary for the application 302 to operate. The runtimeservices 308 can include application services or page services.“Application services” includes services and data common to the entireapplication 302 (such as profiles systems and catalog systems) and areglobally available to user sessions. “Page services” includes servicesand data common to an individual page, accessed within the scope of auser's request to Web site running the Web application 302, such as thecurrent user's profile.

At block 408, based on the configuration information read from theconfiguration file 310 the runtime services 308 are initialized for theapplication 302. Thus, method 400 provides automatic initialization ofthe Web application 302 and removes the onus on the site developer forcreating and manually configuring the set of objects (e.g., runtimeobjects) 306.

Automatic Disposal of Unmanaged Resources

FIG. 5 shows a system 500 that releases unmanaged objects from memory.The system 500 shows similar components that were described above withreference to FIG. 3, such as a Web application 302 set of Web pages 304,objects 306, run time services 308. System 500 includes some additionalelements that are part of the Framework 132 and/or Web application 302including a garbage collector 502, one or more catalogues 504(1), . . ., 504(N) (referenced generally as catalogue 504), an interoperablebridge 506, memory 508 and a data structure 510.

Garbage collector 502 manages the allocation and release of data frommemory 508. Each time an object is created, runtime services 308allocates space for the objects in memory 508. Because memory 508 islimited, garbage collector 502 performs a collection to free memory.Typically, this is accomplished by checking for objects that are nolonger being used by the application 302 and to perform the necessaryoperations to release the memory used by these objects.

Runtime services 308 also allocates space for objects in memory 508 thatare not managed by the garbage collector 502. These objects are referredto as “unmanaged objects” because they represent references that are notnative to the .NET framework. Runtime services 308 are able to accessobjects that are not native to the .NET framework through interoperablebridge 506, which uses the CLR 144 (FIG. 1) to assemble the objects inruntime callable wrapper assemblies 507(1), . . . , 507(N) (referencedgenerally as number 507). These assemblies 507 contain metadata whichdescribes the objects stored in each of the assemblies. For example, inone implementation component object model (COM) interoperable objectsmaintained in catalogue 504 can be accessed by run time services 308through the interoperable bridge 506 and loaded into memory 508. It ispossible that other unmanaged objects may be maintained in catalogue504.

One problem arises when attempting to release space from memory 508involving objects that are not managed by the garbage collector 502,because these objects are pulled from a resource that utilizestechnologies that are not native to the .NET framework. The garbagecollector 502 knows that unmanaged objects exist but is unable toautomatically purge memory of unmanaged objects (such as COMinteroperable objects from COM catalogue 504) in a timely manner,because the garbage collector 502 does not know what data is containedin the runtime callable wrapper assemblies 507 and therefore doesn'tknow when data contained in the assemblies is no longer being utilizedby the Web application 302.

Typically, an unmanaged object is stored in memory 508 after beingrequested by Web application 302. The unmanaged object will remain inmemory beyond the completion of the request. To address this problem,runtime services 308 assigns reference pointers 512(1), . . . , 512(N),to unmanaged objects received from the interoperable bridge 506 that arerequested by Web application 302. Each reference pointer, referencedgenerally as number 512, is assigned when the request is made for theunmanaged object. Each reference pointer 512 is then stored in a datastructure 510 (e.g., a list) maintained in memory 508. Each referencepointer 512 points to a location in memory 508 in which a correspondingunmanaged object is stored. Web application 302 sends a notification torun time services 308 when Web application 302 completes a request. Whenrun time services 308 receives the notification, each reference pointer512 along with its unmanaged object, pertaining to the request, isforcibly expunged from memory 508.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 600 forexpunging unmanaged objects from memory. Method 600 includes blocks602–614. The order in which the method is described is not intended tobe construed as a limitation. Additionally, portions of the operationsmay be optional, performed intermittently, or performed simultaneously.Furthermore, the method 600 can be implemented in any suitable hardware,software, firmware, or combination thereof.

At block 602, a request is received to process a Web page containing oneor more unmanaged objects. For example, one or more unmanaged objectsmaintained in the COM catalogue 504 may be requested for the Web page.

At block 604, one or more reference pointers 512 are assigned to theunmanaged object(s). At block 606, each reference pointer is stored. Forexample each reference pointer 512 is stored in data structure 510maintained in memory 508. The reference pointer uniquely identifies theunmanaged object it is assigned to reference. At block 608, theunmanaged object(s) are stored in memory 508.

At block 610, a notification is received indicating that the request forthe page containing the unmanaged object(s) is complete. For example,Web application 302 makes the notification to the runtime services 308.

At block 612, any unmanaged object(s) associated with completed pagethat are stored in memory 508 are located by using the referencepointer(s) 512. That is, each reference pointer 512 stored in datastructure 510 maintained for this page is examined to determine whatunmanaged objects should be removed from memory and their locations inmemory. At block 614, based on the reference pointers 512, system 500 isable to locate and forcibly remove from memory any unmanaged objectsmaintained in data structure 510 associated with a particular completedrequest.

Dependency Management

FIG. 7 shows another feature associated with runtime services 308 formanaging dependencies between configuration information associated withprogrammable components. Runtime services 308 may utilize one of theprogramming tools 210 shown in FIG. 2 and may part of the framework 132(see FIG. 1).

Runtime services 308 through programming tools 210 permits a programmer708 (such as a Web site developer) to configure various programmablecomponents associated with their particular Web application 110.Typically, the programmer 708 uses a configuration file 702 (such as Webconfiguration file 310 shown in FIG. 3) to configure the variousprogrammable components, such as, for example specifying a site name,joining data, specifying a redirecting URL, providing a cache nameattribute, and indicating an event pipeline. The aforementioned examplesare only a few of many other various attributes that can be configureddepending on the Web application. Unfortunately, programmers inevitablymake mistakes, either in misusing objects, in omissions, or inincorrectly configuring a particular component.

Dependency manager 704 maintains a dependency database 706 describingdependencies associated with modules (i.e., programmable components)used by an application such as a Web application 110. For example,referring to FIG. 7, Module 307(1) shows dependencies on Modules 307(2),307(3), 307(4), and 307(5). In order for Module 307(1) to operatecorrectly, Modules 307(2), 307(3), 307(4), and 307(5) should beavailable for Module 307(1) to access or some type of error may occurthat may cause the Web application 110 to fail. Dependency manager 704checks dependency database 706 to make sure that such dependencies(e.g., Module A depends on Modules B, C, D and E) are adhered to whenthe application starts up.

If the programmer 708 makes an error in configuring a module, thendependency manager 704 will issue some type of error exceptionnotification to the programmer 708 after checking the dependencydatabase 706. The error exception may inform the programmer 708 of theexact error the programmer made. For example, if the programmer 708deletes Module 307(5), dependency manager 704 may issue an errorexception notification indicating that Module 307(1) may fail becauseModule 307(1) depends on Module (5).

The dependency database 706 is initially coded by a developer of theModules 307. The developer (not shown) enters the dependencies and theircorrect orders (e.g., Module 307(1) depends on Modules 307(2), 307(3),307(4), and 307(5)). It is also possible that programmer 708 (e.g.,builder of Web application 302) could have permission to enter specificdependencies in the capacity of a developer and/or the developer andprogrammer 708 could be the same entity.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 800 forpreventing programmable misuse of modules such as the grouping shown inFIG. 7. Method 800 includes blocks 802–810. The order in which themethod is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation.Additionally, portions of the operations may be optional, performedintermittently, or performed simultaneously. Furthermore, the method 800can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, orcombination thereof.

At block 802, a dependency database 706 is maintained containinginformation describing dependencies associated with modules used by anapplication. For example, programming tool 700 through its dependencymanager 704 maintains the database 706. Typically, the database isinitially configured by a developer of one or modules, but it ispossible that other entities may have the ability and/or permission toconfigure the database in certain circumstances.

At block 804, information is received from a programmer 708 (e.g., suchas a Web site developer) describing how the programmer desires to usecertain modules in an application. For example, the programmer 708,through the programming tool 700 may use the configuration file toconfigure an object.

At block 806, the information entered by the programmer is compared tothe information maintained in the database describing the dependencies.For example, the dependency manager 704 checks whether the informationentered by the programmer 708 “matches” the dependencies (dependencyinformation 707) associated with the modules maintained in the database706. “Matches” as used herein does not necessarily mean that informationentered by the programmer has to be exactly the same as the dependencyinformation 707, so long as the information entered and the dependencyinformation 707 is consistent with each other.

At decisional block 808 a decision is made whether the information wasentered matches the database or not. If the information entered matches,then according to the YES branch of decisional block 808 method 800proceeds to check whether any additional information entered by theprogrammer 708 is correct. If the information entered does not match thedependencies (dependency information 707) maintained in the database,then according to NO branch of block 808 method 800 proceeds to block810.

According to block 810, an error exception notification is displayed tothe programmer 708, if the information entered by the programmer isincorrect (i.e., it does not match the dependency requirementsmaintained in the database 706). The error notification may detail whatinformation entered by the programmer failed to match the dependencyrequirements.

Exemplary Computing System and Environment

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a computing environment 900 withinwhich the applications 130 including the runtime services, platforms,framework, systems, modules and methods described herein can be eitherfully or partially implemented. Exemplary computing environment 900 isonly one example of a computing system and is not intended to suggestany limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the networkarchitectures. Neither should the computing environment 900 beinterpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any oneor combination of components illustrated in the exemplary computingenvironment 900.

The computer and network architectures can be implemented with numerousother general purpose or special purpose computing system environmentsor configurations. Examples of well known computing systems,environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for useinclude, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers,thin clients, thick clients, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessorsystems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmableconsumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers,gaming consoles, distributed computing environments that include any ofthe above systems or devices, and the like.

The runtime services, systems, platform, framework, modules, and methodsdescribed herein may be described in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that performparticular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Theapplications 130 (including the runtime services, systems, platform,framework, modules, and methods described herein) may also be practicedin distributed computing environments where tasks are performed byremote processing devices that are linked through a communicationsnetwork. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may belocated in both local and remote computer storage media including memorystorage devices.

The computing environment 900 includes a general-purpose computingsystem in the form of a computer 902. The components of computer 902 caninclude, but are not limited to, one or more processors or processingunits 904, a system memory 906, and a system bus 908 that couplesvarious system components including the processor 904 to the systemmemory 906.

The system bus 908 represents one or more of any of several types of busstructures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheralbus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus usingany of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, sucharchitectures can include an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, aMicro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, aVideo Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and aPeripheral Component Interconnects (PCI) bus also known as a Mezzaninebus.

Computer system 902 typically includes a variety of computer readablemedia. Such media can be any available media that is accessible bycomputer 902 and includes both volatile and non-volatile media,removable and non-removable media. The system memory 906 includescomputer readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as randomaccess memory (RAM) 910, and/or non-volatile memory, such as read onlymemory (ROM) 912. A basic input/output system (BIOS) 914, containing thebasic routines that help to transfer information between elements withincomputer 902, such as during start-up, is stored in ROM 912. RAM 910typically contains data and/or program modules that are immediatelyaccessible to and/or presently operated on by the processing unit 904.

Computer 902 can also include other removable/non-removable,volatile/non-volatile computer storage media. By way of example, FIG. 9illustrates a hard disk drive 916 for reading from and writing to anon-removable, non-volatile magnetic media (not shown), a magnetic diskdrive 918 for reading from and writing to a removable, non-volatilemagnetic disk 920 (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical disk drive 922for reading from and/or writing to a removable, non-volatile opticaldisk 924 such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or other optical media. The harddisk drive 416, magnetic disk drive 918, and optical disk drive 922 areeach connected to the system bus 908 by one or more data mediainterfaces 926. Alternatively, the hard disk drive 916, magnetic diskdrive 918, and optical disk drive 922 can be connected to the system bus908 by a SCSI interface (not shown).

The disk drives and their associated computer-readable media providenon-volatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules, and other data for computer 902. Although the exampleillustrates a hard disk 916, a removable magnetic disk 920, and aremovable optical disk 924, it is to be appreciated that other types ofcomputer readable media which can store data that is accessible by acomputer, such as magnetic cassettes or other magnetic storage devices,flash memory cards, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, random access memories (RAM), read only memories (ROM),electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and thelike, can also be utilized to implement the exemplary computing systemand environment.

Any number of program modules can be stored on the hard disk 916,magnetic disk 920, optical disk 924, ROM 912, and/or RAM 910, includingby way of example, an operating system 926, one or more applicationprograms 928, other program modules 930, and program data 932. Each ofsuch operating system 926, one or more application programs 928, otherprogram modules 930, and program data 932 (or some combination thereof)may include an embodiment of the applications 130 (including the runtimeservices, platforms, framework, systems, modules and methods describedherein).

Computer system 902 can include a variety of computer readable mediaidentified as communication media. Communication media typicallyembodies computer readable instructions, data structures, programmodules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier waveor other transport mechanism and includes any information deliverymedia. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one ormore of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encodeinformation in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation,communication media includes wired media such as a wired network ordirect-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF,infrared, and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above arealso included within the scope of computer readable media.

A user can enter commands and information into computer system 902 viainput devices such as a keyboard 934 and a pointing device 936 (e.g., a“mouse”). Other input devices 938 (not shown specifically) may include amicrophone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, serial port, scanner,and/or the like. These and other input devices are connected to theprocessing unit 904 via input/output interfaces 940 that are coupled tothe system bus 908, but may be connected by other interface and busstructures, such as a parallel port, game port, or a universal serialbus (USB).

A monitor 942 or other type of display device can also be connected tothe system bus 908 via an interface, such as a video adapter 944. Inaddition to the monitor 942, other output peripheral devices can includecomponents such as speakers (not shown) and a printer 946 which can beconnected to computer 902 via the input/output interfaces 940.

Computer 902 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computingdevice 948. By way of example, the remote computing device 948 can be apersonal computer, portable computer, a server, a router, a networkcomputer, a peer device or other common network node, and the like. Theremote computing device 948 is illustrated as a portable computer thatcan include many or all of the elements and features described hereinrelative to computer system 902.

Logical connections between computer 902 and the remote computer 948 aredepicted as a local area network (LAN) 950 and a general wide areanetwork (WAN) 952. Such networking environments are commonplace inoffices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet.When implemented in a LAN networking environment, the computer 902 isconnected to a local network 950 via a network interface or adapter 954.When implemented in a WAN networking environment, the computer 902typically includes a modem 956 or other means for establishingcommunications over the wide network 952. The modem 956, which can beinternal or external to computer 902, can be connected to the system bus908 via the input/output interfaces 940 or other appropriate mechanisms.It is to be appreciated that the illustrated network connections areexemplary and that other means of establishing communication link(s)between the computers 902 and 948 can be employed.

In a networked environment, such as that illustrated with computingenvironment 900, program modules depicted relative to the computer 902,or portions thereof, may be stored in a remote memory storage device. Byway of example, remote application programs 958 reside on a memorydevice of remote computer 948. For purposes of illustration, applicationprograms and other executable program components, such as the operatingsystem, are illustrated herein as discrete blocks, although it isrecognized that such programs and components reside at various times indifferent storage components of the computer system 902, and areexecuted by the data processor(s) of the computer.

CONCLUSION

Although the invention has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarilylimited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specificfeatures and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing theclaimed invention.

1. A method implemented at least in part by a computing device forconfiguring runtime services for a web application, comprising: creatinga configuration file containing tags that provide references toconfiguration information specific to operational behavior of the webapplication; maintaining a dependency database that describesdependencies between the configuration information contained in theconfiguration file; reading the configuration file upon receiving arequest to start the web application; preventing, using the dependencydatabase, programmable misuse of the configuration information; andbased on the configuration information read from the configuration file,initializing the runtime services for the web application.
 2. The methodas recited in claim 1, wherein the tags are extensible markup languagetags.
 3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the runtime servicesare one or more modules containing resources necessary for the webapplication to operate.
 4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein theruntime services include application services having service and datacommon to the web application and globally available to users in one ormore sessions.
 5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the runtimeservices includes page services having service and data common to a pageaccessible to a user during a visit to web site containing the page. 6.One or more storage media comprising computer-executable instructionsthat, when executed by a computer system direct the computer system toconfigure runtime services for a web application by: creating aconfiguration file containing tags that provide references toconfiguration information specific to operational behavior of the webapplication; maintaining a dependency database that describesdependencies between the configuration information contained in theconfiguration file; reading the configuration file upon receiving arequest to start the web application; preventing, using the dependencydatabase, programmable misuse of the configuration information; andbased on the configuration information read from the configuration file,initializing the runtime services for the web application.
 7. A storagemedium comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executedby a computer, direct the computer to configure runtime services for aweb application by: receiving a request to start the web application;reading a configuration file containing tags that provide references toconfiguration information specific to operational behavior of the webapplication, wherein the configuration information complies with adependency database that describes dependencies between theconfiguration information contained in the configuration file;preventing, using the dependency database, programmable misuse of theconfiguration information; and based on the configuration informationread from the configuration file, initializing the runtime services forthe web application.
 8. A storage medium as recited in claim 7, whereinthe tags are XML tags.
 9. A storage medium as recited in claim 7,wherein the runtime services are one or more modules containingresources necessary for the web application to operate.
 10. A storagemedium as recited in claim 7, wherein the runtime services includesapplication services having service and data common to the webapplication and globally available to users in one or more sessions. 11.A storage medium as recited in claim 7, wherein the runtime servicesincludes page services having service and data common to a user requestaccessible to a user during a visit to a web site containing a page. 12.A computer comprising: the storage medium as recited in claim 7; and aprocessor to execute the computer-executable instructions.
 13. A systemimplemented at least in part by a computer for configuring runtimeservices for a web application, comprising: means for creating aconfiguration file containing tags that provide references toconfiguration information specific to operational behavior of the webapplication; means for allowing configuration information to be createdin a plurality of programming languages, wherein said means for allowingconfiguration information to be created in a plurality of programminglanguages includes a common language specification; means for readingthe configuration file upon receiving a request to start the webapplication; means for preventing, using a dependency database,programmable misuse of the configuration information; and based on theconfiguration information read from the configuration file, means forinitializing the runtime services for the web application.
 14. Thesystem as recited in claim 13, wherein the tags are XML tags.
 15. Thesystem as recited in claim 13, wherein the runtime services are one ormore modules containing resources necessary for the web application tooperate.